Step 3: Evangelism Training - Tips for everyday witness...

In most cases, to immediately begin explaining the Good News would seem quite awkward and unnatural. However, if someone is aware of our "faith" in God and His involvement in our lives, it makes it much easier. Suggestion: before you dive into sharing the Gospel, first be transparent about your faith walk.

PRACTICE SHARING "FAITH STORIES" IN YOUR EVERYDAY CONVERSATION.

It's important that folks around you are aware of your faith*. Be open and authentic about your ongoing involvement with God. Make it a point to share simple stories or comments of God's activity in your life. Not just comments like, "God is good", or "Praise the Lord". Those are OK but pretty general. Share about actual experiences that reflect your personal faith-walk with Jesus. For example, watch for opportunities to:

Talk about how God has helped you in a personal relationship. Many people deal with difficult relationships. For the Christian, God helps us be more forgiving, more merciful, kinder and less stressed out, etc.. Perhaps you have experienced His help recently. Voice how He has been at work in helping you. God just might use it to draw someone who is listening, closer to Himself.

Share how God has provided for a need. It might be a physical need or insight for a decision or direction in life. Openly practice sharing these things when you have the opportunity. Give God the credit.

Talk about how God gave you peace in a difficult situation. How God moved you to help someone. Talk about how God helped you resist a temptation. Be open to talk openly about God's activity in your life.

Has God brought correction in your life? Perhaps an apology was what God placed on your heart. Don't pretend to always "have it all together". Look for opportunities to be honest about your shortcomings yet authentic about God's love... even in correction. Your honesty and genuine humility will be respected and it will cause some people to be curious about your faith-walk.

Dan and Kim were soon to be married. I knew from my own marriage that knowing Christ makes a big difference. So I shared my story and the Gospel and they have been following Christ ever since! (Ralph Cartony)

WATCH HOW OTHERS RESPOND. IT MAY LEAD TO EXPLAINING THE GOOD NEWS.

As you seek the Holy Spirit for discernment and opportunities to share the Good News, watch what others say and how they respond to you. Responses like:

"I wish I had that."

"God seems so real to you."

"That's cool!"

Or you notice a curious look on their face that seems to say, "I'd like to know more", but they don't know quite how to ask.

BE INTENTIONAL, TAKE THE INITIATIVE. YOU SENSE THE HOLY SPIRIT PROMPTING YOU TO ASK...

"Has anyone ever shared with you the main message of the Bible, i.e. how to experience life to its fullest?"

"Can I share with you what I have discovered?"

"Have heard the verse John 3:16? It explains the main message of the Bible."

*If friends are aware of your faith in God they will be more likely to approach you with questions or sincere inquires related to your faith.

Now let's look at an area of witnessing most people find challenging...